Toms River, NJ - OCC Men's Basketball came up just short against nationally-ranked #5 Brookdale Community College on Thursday (2/9), falling to the Jersey Blues by a 97-85 final score. Battling their 3rd nationally-ranked opponent in 4 games, the Vikings went to battle this evening without starting guard/forward Ethan Paul, who exited the Vikings' previous game against RCSJ Cumberland early due to injury. Also injured in that matchup was freshman guard Channing Williams, a valuable defensive contributor who was also unable to participate tonight. 

Ocean sophomore guard Josh Kline was once again a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court, with a 26-point, 12-rebound, 7-assist, 4-steal night, while freshman guard Dallas Weisse put up 20 points and 7 rebounds against the high-powered Blues. Sophomore forward Bryan Potter had one of his best games of the season, scoring 16 while pulling in 8 rebounds, along with 4 blocks, 4 assists, and grabbing 2 steals. Potter, a Freehold, NJ native, will likely be relied upon to put up similar numbers going forward, if Ethan Paul's injury is a prolonged one. 

"Unfortunately, we weren't able to secure the victory, but I'm still very proud of the effort we put forth. Kline, Weisse and Potter offensively kept us afloat throughout much of this game with their perimeter shooting. Potter also turned in a very solid defensive performance as well. We will need to continue to play that quality of basketball as we head into a critical 3 game stretch next week."

The Vikings have an overall record of 12-11, with 3 important regular season games remaining. First up, a trip to Camden County College on February 14 for a 7 P.M. tip-off against the Cougars.